From left: HOD Commercial, Obafemi Awolowo International Airport , Port Harcourt, Mr. Expo Effiong; International Terminal Manager, Abuja Airport, Mr. Lawal Abdulahi; HOD, Environmental Services Osubi Airport, Delta State, Mr Chidi Awo ; Mr. Peter Okwechime and Covener/Chairman , F.C.I. International Limited, Mr. Fortune Idu, during the Airport Business Summit and Expo in Lagos on Tuesday
Devoting more funds to airports projects and infrastructure embracing technology in operations, simplifying regulatory processes among others have been identified as ways to improve operational efficiency in airports operations.
Speaking at the just concluded Airport Business Summit in Lagos, Regional General manager, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, (NAIA) Abuja Mr Ahmed Danjuma, said increasing passenger traffic and growing demand can only be met as fast as possible with emerging technologies.
Represented by International Terminal Manager of Abuja airport, Alhaji Abdullahi Lawal, Danjuma, who presented a paper on ‘Operational Performance and Airport Business Opportunities’ said Cybersecurity and Climate disruptions may also be some of the challenges facing airports operations, he said shortage of skilled personnel and regulatory complexity should be addressed if there must be efficient airport operations.
According to him, operational efficiency is not merely about reducing costs but creating competitive advantage, increasing airport profitability, enhancing passenger experience, supporting airlines, driving national economic development and building resilient airport businesses.
He opined that operational excellence is the foundation upon which world-class airports build sustainable growth, commercial success, and customer trust, adding that it is the backbone of airport success arguing that it improves performance, unlocks business opportunities and ensures long-term sustainability.
He stressed that airports that embrace efficiency will thrive in the future saying that an efficient airport is a competitive airport.
“Technology remained a game-changer as automation speeds up check-in and boarding, while AI predicts maintenance needs, if we must create value beyond airport operations, authorities must deliver safe, secure, and reliable airport services while making the best use of available resources.
According to him, such minimises delays, reduce operational costs, maximizing infrastructure capacity, and ensuring a seamless experience for passengers, airlines, and all airport stakeholders saying it was no longer just an operational objective but a strategic asset that drives profitability, customer satisfaction, airline confidence, and sustainable growth.
On cargo and logistics operations, Danjuma described it as another major opportunity stressing that efficient cargo handling, digital documentation, and streamlined customs procedures make airports more attractive as logistics and distribution centres. He said it supports international trade, attracts investment, and strengthens the regional economy.
Danjuma maintained that operational performance matters as it leads to creates enterprise value and influence airline confidence, passenger satisfaction, revenue growth, asset utilization, safety and compliance.
For effective airport administration, Danjuma called for the creation of an Airport Operations Control Centre, invest in digital transformation, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, develop a real-time executive dashboard to monitor KPIs continuously, build workforce capacity, expand commercial revenue opportunities.
Others include,, embedding sustainability into operational planning, foster public-private partnerships and adopt flexible business models.
